Beijing’s an urban jungle, and in any jungle, we need tools to survive and thrive. As urban jungle dwellers, we’ve managed to blend practicality with style, resulting in the modern bag. Here, form meets function, and what looks stylish and fashionable on the outside contains all our essential survival tools on the inside. Inspired by this, we ask expats each week, “What’s in your bag?” and get insights into which essentials they keep on hand when out and about in the capital city.
Hello, I’m Kysha! I made the big move from the UK three years ago with my husband, equipped with new dreams, goals and ready for new adventures! I’m also the creator of Vision Boards, a multi functional planning tool to help keep you on track!
I’ve learnt many things since being here and one of the things I love about Beijing is the fashion. You can look anywhere and you’ll get some form of inspiration.
A bag is a staple accessory for me, whilst I like them to be stylish they also have to be functional. This one has sentimental value as it was a birthday gift from my little sister before we moved here. I normally would have chosen black so it’s nice to have it in a different color.
My bag will always contain earphones or mini speaker. I function better with music, if it’s commuting (aside from crossing the roads they need my full attention here!) work planning, working on vision boards, reading, socializing, or in the gym, music or a podcast will always be playing.
Snacks – I’m a fruit and nuts kind of girl but anything to keep my hands busy and energy levels high. I’ve recently been trying some more Chinese snacks like mooncakes, they have plenty of flavors.
Address in Chinese/cash – Strange one but I added this from when I lost my phone last November. I was on my own at a new shopping center and I didn’t know the area. Luckily, a young couple were kind enough to get me a Didi to Santlitun and I was able to pay them in cash, it could have been a long night for me if not. You don’t realize how dependent you are on your phone till you lose it!
Books – I love reading and the escapism you get from a good story. Poems (this particular one was written by my brother) and self-help/motivational books are also popular with me. Anything which grabs my attention really.
Make-up/beauty essentials – Handcream, lipbalm, mascara, and suncream. Unfortunately, I have to admit I only used to apply suncream whilst on holiday… but now it is a staple in my skincare regime.
Water bottle – As we all know Beijing weather can get really dry so I like to keep a water bottle with me to stay hydrated.
Want to share your Beijing survival tools with us? Shoot us an email at editor@beijing-kids.com, message our official Jingkids WeChat account (ID: beijing-kids), or leave a comment below!
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Images: Courtesy of Kysha Ferguson
